This week sees the introduction of a new wayfinding scheme across Bognor Regis, connecting the town centre to the seafront and beyond. Over the next three weeks, the town will see the installation of a range of physical wayfinding elements including monoliths, posterboards, colourful additions to the concrete seating, lamppost collars and fabric and metal banners.
The monoliths and noticeboards feature heritage and information panels, as well as QR codes linking to maps that help you find your way around. There are also links to partner organisations, including Heritage Trails, plus details of how the wayfinding was developed through consultation with the community. The monoliths also feature details of all the local partners involved in the development of the scheme and who have formally committed to supporting its extension across the town in the coming years.
The Phase 1 installations will be positioned along the route from Bognor Regis Station to Butlin’s through London Road to the Promenade, with one option taking footfall to the Promenade along the eastern end of High Street East and Clarence Road, and another taking footfall through The Arcade and across Place St Maur. The careful repurposing of existing street furniture meant the scheme could be extended along the Promenade to the Pier and Old Town, connecting through Steyne Street and the Sunken Gardens to Queensway, Canada Grove and back to the station.
The Bognor Regis Regeneration Board led a successful bid to Arun District Council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with delivery supported by partners at Bognor Regis Business Improvement District (BRBID). The BID’s separate UKSPF funded project to introduce high level interest at Queensway was adapted to support the wayfinding scheme, enhancing the connections between this important street and the rest of the town centre through consistent design. Both the Wayfinding Scheme and Queensway projects have been entirely funded by Arun District Council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Over a period of three years, the Bognor Regis Regeneration Board consulted with stakeholders including Arun District Council, Bognor Regis Town Council, The University of Chichester, the Business Improvement District and businesses. A strategy was put together for wayfinding in the town and identifying the key routes between major attractions.
A spokesperson for the Bognor Regis Regeneration Board said: “Over 200 unique designs were created and submitted by people aged 4 to 87 at the workshops. A huge thank you to everyone who took part. We hope you enjoy seeing the designs you helped bring to life. Together you’ve made our town a brighter, more welcoming and enjoyable place to be.”
She continued: “Local feedback told us the town centre needs to feel more welcoming and secure, with less litter and much better signage, to help people get around and promote Bognor Regis’s main attractions as an enjoyable seaside town.”
Cllr Roger Nash, Chair of Arun District Council’s Economy Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to see the wayfinding project come to life in Bognor Regis, this will be useful for residents and visitors alike. I am really pleased to see so many designs by residents, including historical stories of the town”.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund was awarded by the previous UK government and is a three-year scheme that runs from 2022-2025, with all local authorities able to spend on local priorities to build pride in place, boost productivity and spread opportunities.
More information can be found on the Love Bognor Regis website:
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